Edwin van der Sar rules out Manchester United return

Edwin van der Sar has ruled out a switch to become Manchester United’s new Sporting Director, stating he has not finished his work at Ajax.

Manchester United are a different team under Erik ten Hag than they were in the last few years. There is a steady development with the squad as well as in the background at the executive level. The Red Devils are keen to strengthen the latter in the coming period, with a Sporting Director considered key.

Manchester United are yet to appoint a reliable executive to take up the position but were linked with a few names in the past. One of them is former goalkeeper and UEFA Champions League winner Edwin van der Sar.

The Dutchman enjoyed many great years under Sir Alex Ferguson and is currently Ajax’s CEO. His work with the Eredivisie giants is revered around the football world. Not only have Ajax overseen tremendous revenue from player sales, but a deep emphasis is also placed on recruitment.

But van der Sar has ruled out a return to Old Trafford. His comments on The Times suggested he is far from done at Ajax.

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Van der Sar said, “It’s never been that close. I have a good relationship with the board and had a fantastic six years in Manchester, but I’m not finished here yet.”

Van der Sar’s contract only expires in 2025, which would let Ajax remain in a relaxed position. However, things are never permanent in football, and he could take up a position with Manchester United or any other club in the future.

For now, Manchester United look like a club on the rise after the disappointments of previous seasons. Their recruitment this season since ten Hag took over has brought a new lease of life. The results have also followed, even though a promising performance did not yield a win over Chelsea.

Van der Sar was instrumental in helping Manchester United improve. In the previous window, Lisandro Martinez and Antony joined Manchester United from Ajax. Through those deals, Ajax made massive profits as both South American stars were sold for high sums, thus highlighting the Dutch outfit’s recruitment strategy.